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23  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WitSTiR,N.Y.  14SM 

(71«)t72-4ii03 


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6 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  institute  for  Historical  IMicroraproductions  /  Inatitut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


> 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notos  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


Th 
to 


Tha  Inatituta  haa  anamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  this 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  aignificantly  changa 
tha  uauai  mathod  of  filming,  ^y  chackad  balow. 


□   Colourad  covora/ 
Couvartura  do  coulaur 


r~|   Covara  damagad/ 


D 


Couvartura  andommagAa 

Covara  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurAa  at/ou  palliculAa 


r~~|   Covar  titia  miaaing/ 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


Colourad  maps/ 

Cartaa  gAographiquaa  ^n  coulaur 


□    Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 

{~n   Colourad  piataa  and/or  illuatrationa/ 


Planchaa  at/ou  illuatrationa  an  coulaur 


Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
RallA  avac  d'autraa  documanta 


Tight  binding  may  cauaa  shadows  or  diatortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  r%  liura  sarr*a  paut  cauaar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
distoralon  la  kHig  da  la  marga  inttriaura 

Blank  laavaa  addad  during  raatoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  yNtnnmfr  possibia,  thaaa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  eartainaa  pagaa  blanchaa  ajoutiaa 
lors  d'una  raatauration  apparaiaaant  dana  la  taxta, 
mala,  lorsqua  cala  itait  possibia.  eaa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  «tA  filmAaa. 

Additional  commants:/ 
Commantairaa  suppiimantairas: 


L'Inatitut  a  microf  ilmA  la  maillaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  itt  poaaibia  da  aa  procurar.  Las  details 
da  cat  axamplaira  qui  sont  paut-Atr«;  uniquaa  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua.  qui  pauvant  modif  iar 
una  imaga  raproduita,  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dana  la  mAthoda  normaia  da  filmaga 
sont  indiquis  ci-daaaoua. 


D 


D 


Colourad  pagaa/ 
Pagaa  da  coulaur 


□   Pagaa  damagad/ 
Pagaa  andommagAaa 

□   Pagaa  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Pagaa  raat^urias  at/ou  pallicuiAas 

E   Pagaa  discolourad.  stainad  or  foxad/ 
Pagaa  dAcoiorias.  tachattes  ou  piquias 

□   Pagaa  datachad/ 
Pagas  d4tach«a« 

Showthroughy 
Tranaparanca 

Quality  of  prin 

Qualiti  in4gaia  da  i'impratiaion 

includas  supplamantary  matarii 
Comprand  du  material  suppi4mantaira 

Only  adition  availabia/ 
Sauia  Mition  disponibia 


Th 
po 
of 
fill 


Or 
ba 
th4 
ak) 
oti 
fin 
aio 
or 


rri  Showthrough/ 

pn  Quality  of  print  variaa/ 

r~~1  includas  supplamantary  matarial/ 

r~|  Only  adition  availabia/ 


Tl* 
aht 
TIP 
wli 

Ma 

di« 
ant 
ba< 
rigl 

raq 
ma 


Pagaa  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  arrata 
slips,  tissuaa.  ate.  hava  baan  rafilmad  to 
ansura  tha  bast  possibia  imaga/ 
Laa  pagas  totalamant  ou  partiallamant 
obacurcias  par  un  fauiilat  d'arrata.  una  palura, 
ate.  ont  4ti  fiimias  k  nouvsau  da  fapon  A 
obtanir  la  maillaura  imaga  possibia. 


This  itam  is  fiimad  at  tha  raduction  ratio  chackad  balow/ 

Ca  document  ast  fiimi  au  taux  da  riduction  indiqui  ci-daasous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


28X 


»X 


y 

12X 


IfX 


aox 


24X 


28X 


32X 


• 

Itailt 
t  du 
modifier 
r  una 
Imag* 


Th*  copy  ftlniMl  her*  has  bMn  raproduoad  thanks 
to  tha  o«naroslty  of: 

Douglas  Library 
Quaan's  Unlvaraity 

Tha  Imegaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
posaibia  eonaidaring  tha  condition  and  iaglbiiity 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaapbig  with  tha 
filming  contract  apadfteationa. 


Original  copies  In  printed  papar  covars  ara  fllmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  cover  and  ending  on 
tlia  ieat  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  Impree- 
sk>n,  or  the  beck  cover  when  eppropriate.  AH 
other  original  coplea  ara  filmed  beginning  on  tlie 
first  pege  with  e  printed  or  illustrated  impres> 
slon,  end  ending  on  tlie  lest  pege  with  e  printed 
or  Hlustreted  impreaston. 


IS 


L'exemplaire  fHmA  f  ut  reprodult  grice  i  la 
g«n4roalti  do: 

Douglas  Ubrsry 
Quean's  Univsrsity 

Les  images  suhrantae  ont  4tA  reprodultes  svec  le 
plus  grsnd  soin,  compte  tenu  de  hi  condltton  et 
de  la  nattetA  de  i'exempleire  filmA,  et  en 
conformHA  evec  lee  condMona  du  eontrat  de 
filmage. 

Lee  exemplalrae  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
pepler  eat  Imprim4e  aont  fllm4a  an  comman9ent 
per  le  premier  plot  et  en  terminent  soit  par  la 
damlAre  pege  qui  comi^orte  une  empreinte 
dimpreaalon  ou  d'iiluatration,  soit  par  le  sscond 
plat,  aeton  hi  caa.  Toua  lea  autraa  axempleires 
originaux  aont  fiimAa  en  commen9ant  par  la 
pramlAre  pege  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
dimpreaalon  ou  d'iliustrstlon  «t  sn  terminent  per 
le  dernlAre  pege  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  aech  microfiche 
shsli  contain  tiM  symbol  — ^-  (meening  "CON- 
TINUED"),  or  the  symbol  ▼  (meening  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  dee  symboles  suhrents  spparattra  sur  Is 
damiire  imege  de  cliaque  microfiche,  seion  le 
cas:  la  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  8UIVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


pletes,  charts,  etc.,  mey  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Tlioae  too  ierge  to  be 
entirely  included  In  one  exposure  ere  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  comer,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  ea  many  framea  aa 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Lea  cartes,  plenches.  tableeux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  i  das  taux  da  rMuction  diffirants. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grsnd  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  est  filmA  A  pertir 
de  I'engie  supArieur  geuche,  de  gauche  A  drolte, 
et  de  hieut  en  lies,  en  prenent  le  nombre 
d'imeges  nAcessalra.  I.es  diegremmes  suivsnts 
liiustrent  la  mAtliode. 


irrata 
to 


palurs. 
n  A 


D 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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BEFORE 


rtf£  SOCIETY 


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FOR 


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INDIANS  AND   OTHERS  IN  NORTH  AMERICA^ 


l^y. 


Y 


l>*:^fV        DKuvERED  NOV.  n  laws. 

^*  •  *  '•'  ,■■:.''■■; 

BY  JOSEPH  ECKLEY,  d.d. 

MtiriSTB*  or  THB  et.D  south  oKuac^t  la  90ST0li^ 


«■  ,%, 


>-  -K  '» 


)*?. 


O60j8(ton: 

PRINTED  BT  E.  LINCOLN,  WATER  STREET; 


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-.v.:    ;■■■«• 


BosTOK,  Nov.  V,  1805. 


.^/  a  meeting  of  the  Society  for  firoftagating  the  Goafiel  among  the 
1  Indians^  and  othersj  in  JVorth  jtmericoy 

■  VoTBD,  That  the  PrcsidbkT)  Hon.  Gen.  Lincoln,  Rev.  Dr.* 
Eliot,  and  the  Secretary,  be  a  Committee  to  present  the 
thanks  of  the  Society  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ecklet,  for  his  excellent 
Discourse,  delivered  before  them  this  day,  and  to  ask  a  copy  of 
it  for  the  press. 

JEDIDIAH  MORSE,  Secretary.      . 


ir'  .„ 


•  f 


♦i 


>-:^' 


^-  J 


^i|||^^IMi||rj*%iir'M*i'.»iil^ '  -"'<^[^HlM)|q2('> 


:1 


THE  KATXJRR   AND   EFFECTS    OF  RECOAfCJLL/H 
,  TIOJV  THROUGH  THE  OOSFEL. 


:'    D  I  S  C  O  U  R  S  E. 


C0L08SIANS   U   20. 


Andi  having  made  peace  through  the  blood  of  his  crossy 

"by  him  to  reconcile  all  things  unto  himself i  b^  him, 

-'  I  say.  vjhether  they  be  things  in  earth,  or  thtngs  ia 

'  heaven.  <     . 

X  HE  Society,  at  whose  request  I  now  address 
you,  my  christian  fiiends,  solicits  your  assistance  in 
a  cause,  confessedly  of  the  highest  importance.  You 
often  assemble  that  you  may  minister  to  the  temporal 
wants  of  your  afflicted  and  poor  brethren.  This  day 
you  are  convened,  in  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord,  to  en- 
joy the  satisfaction,  and  participate  in  the  hoiiour  of 
ministering  to  the  nece^ities  of  their  souls  ;•— of  send- 
ing the  message  of  salvation  among  a  people,  who 
have  not  the  means  of  providing  for  it  themselves ; 
making  "  the  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  glad 
*^  for  them,  and  the  desert  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the 
"  rose."  "  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are 
"  the  feet  of  him  that  bringeth  good  tidings  ;  that 
'*  publisheth  peace  ;    that  bringeth  good  tidings  <ii 


4^ 


■ ){ 


*^'/ 


4' 


IZbLbO^   ^ 


■  -M 


-r  *•■•.-»•"<««»•-'• 


**  good  ;    that  publisheth  salvation  ;  that  suth  unto 
"  Zion,  Thy  God  reigneth  !»'  •  ^  ^.n  •  r    ^  '.. . 

The  passage  of  scripture  which  has  been  read,  pre- 
sei^  to  us  a  striking  view  of  the  general  design,  and 
excellent  nature  of  the  gospel  of  our  Lord.  It  is  pre- 
sumed that  such  a  subject  will  not  be  unappropriate 
to  the  present  oocasion  :  for  in  proportion  that  we  ap- 
preciate the  worth  of  the  blessings  we  enjoy  ourselves, 
we  shall  experience  the  satisfaction,  and  discern  the 
necessity  of  becoming  the  instruments  in  conveying 
them  to  others.  ''  And,  having  made  peace  through 
"  the  blood  of  his  cross,  by  him  to  reconcile  all  things 
**  unto  himself ;  by  him,  I  say,  whether  they  be 
"  things  in  earth,  or  things  in  heaven." 

In  this  verse,  the  blessed  Jesus  is  introduced  by  the 
Apostle  as  an  agent  in  negotiating  the  great  concerns 
of  earth  and  heaven ;    and  his  cross,    though   a 
stumbling  block  to  the  Jews,  and  foolishness  to  the 
Gentiles,  as  the  powerful  mean  of  advancing  the  high- 
est interest  of  men  and  angels.    For  the  information 
of  the  Colossians,  to  whom  the  Redeemer  of  mankind 
was,  at  this  time,  but  little  known,  the  text  is  preced- 
ed by  the  following  sublime  account  of  his  personal 
qualifications  and  glory  :     **  For  by  him  were  all 
'*  things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in 
'*  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones, 
"  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers ;  all  things 
"  were  created  by  him,  and  for  him  :    And  he  is  be- 
"  fore  all  things,  and  by  him  all  things  consist :    And 
**  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church  ;  who  is  the 
"  be^nning,  the  first  bom  fix)m  the  dead,  that  in  all 
"  things  he  might  have  the  pre-eminence  :    For  it 
*'  pleased  the  Father,  thiat  in  him  should  all  fulness 
"  dwell." 


To  the  writings  of  many  excellent  comtnentatora, 
as  weU  as  to  the  comparison  which  it  is  in  your  own 
power  to  make  between  these  verses,  and  numerous 
others  of  like  import,  I  must  refer  you  for  the  meaning 
of  the  several  parts  of  this  illustrious  description.  The 
text  immediately  follows;  "And  having  made 
**  peace,"  &c. 

My  particular  endeavour,  in  the  subsequent  dis- 
course, will  be  to  engage  your  serious  contemplation 
on  the  peace  and  reconciliation,  which  it  appears  the 
Father  of  our  Lord  has  been  pleased,  through  the 
blood  of  the  cross,  to  introduce  both  in  tAis,  and  in  the 
§tAer  World.*     It  is  to  be  remarked  however  that 

*  It  is  well  known  that  the  t/iingt  in  heaven  and  the  thingt  in 
tarthi  arc.  understood,  by  some  expositors,  to  mean  the  Jevm 
and  Gentile*  s  the  former,  considered  as  exalted  to  heaven  bf 
the  privileges  they  enjoyed ;  the  latter,  in  a  state  of  ignorance, 
senseless  like  the  earth,  until  they  were  called  by  the  gospel 
into  an  union  with  their  brethren,  through  the  common  faith. 
The  learned  Mr.  Locke,  notwithstanding  his  opinion  respect- 
ing several  other  texts,  readily  allows  that  by  the  thrones,  do- 
minions, principalities  and  powers,  or  the  things  in  heaven 
mentioned  in  the  1 6th  verse  of  this  chapter,  and  affirmed  by 
the  apostle  to  have  been  created  by  Christ,  are  s.  i^;<ied  the 
good  anffela,  inhabiting  heaven.  Is  it  not  reasonable,  ;Vom  the 
circumstance  of  the  connexion,  to  infer  that  the  reconciliation, 
expressed  in  the  20th  verse,  is  as  comprehensive  as  the  creo' 
tion  ?  Let  the  several  descriptions  in  the  EfUttlea  be  com- 
pared, an  to  style,  manner,  and  apparent  design,  with  the  first 
chapter  in  the  Gosfiel  qfJohuy  and  it  is  presumed  it  will  appear 
that  by  the  creation  of  alt  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  is  designated 
something  vastly  more  important  than  the  mere  act  of  breaking 
down  the  middle  wall  of  partition  between  Jewa  and  Gen- 
Hlea,  so  making  peace.  On  this  subject  see  Dr.  Doddbidob's 
Critical  Notes  and  References  in  the  Family  Expositor  ;  alsa 
the  Notes  of  the  ingenious  Mr.  James  Psirce. 


J 


1»" 


when  the  Apostle  speaks  of  the  Cross  of  Christ,  he  un- 
doubtedly  means  to  embrace  in  his  idea  the  whole 
series  of  the  sufferings,  especially  the  benignity  and 
holiness  by  which  they  were  sustdned,  and  in  a  pri- 
mary sense,  may  be  said  to  have  acquired  their  efficti 
cy  Wld  success.  i>'if/.  ^'      :  :'./^,':.1-''i    -'^  •^^lu^Jir'.ni  l«^ 

Allow  me  now  to  ofier  to  you  a  few  remarks, 
FIRST  on  the  nature  of  the  peace  and  reconciliation 
of  which  the  Apostle  treats  in  this  chapter  to  the  Colos- 
sians  ;  and  SECONDLY  on  the  glorious  effects,  ^  f<  < 

FIRST — It  is  obvious  that  the  making  peaee^  or 
procuring  reconcUiation^  involves  the  concession  of  a 
pre-existing  state  of  disorder  and  offence.  This  idea 
is  conveyed  not  only  in  the  text,  but  still  more  plainly 
in  the  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  in  which  we  learn, 
that  *'  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto 
«<  himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them." 
The  disorder  or  offence  is  jin,  introduced  into  the 
worid  by  our  first  parents  in  the  garden  of  Paradtse, 
and  pervading  the  hearts  of  their  numerous  descend- 
ants from  diat  melancholy  season,  to  the  present  day. 
It  has  shut  the  gates  of  Eden — nipped  her  fair  fruits — 
blighted  her  aromatic  flowers  ; — and  instead  of  angels 
with  smiles  of  love,  and  accents  of  celestial  joy,  has 
**  placed  cherubims,  and  a  flaming  sword,  turning  ev- 
**  ery  way,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life. "  I  can- 
hot  adequately  describe  it.  It  consists  in  contrariety 
to  the  nature;  opposition  to  the  will;  and  disaffection 
to  the  government  of  a  perfect  God.  It  has  produ- 
ced a  kind  of  ymr  between  heaven  and  earth.  God  is 
angry  with  the  wicked  every  day.  The  destruction 
of  the  antedeluvian  world — ^the  ruin  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah— ^the  thunder,  smoke  and  fire,  with  the  voice 


of  the  Almighty,  when  he  bowed  the  heavens  and  came 
down  on  the  mountain  Sintd,  are  evidences  of  its  evi) 
nature.  Contemplate  also  the  present,  as  well  as  past 
disturbances  in  the  natural  world;  the  agonies,  sick- 
nesses, groans  and  death,  to  which  as  mortal  beings  we 
are  continually  liable ; — these,  in  like  manner,  are  tlie 
signals  of  the  divine  displeasure,  under  the  pressure 
of  which,  we  should  sink  irrecoverably y  if  mercy  and 
truth  had  not  met  together  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  right- 
eousMss  and  peace  embraced  each  other. 

Reconciliation  implies  agreement  in  sentiment  and 
affection  between  the  several  parties  which  have  been 
at  variance.  But  whilst  man  continues  to  be  a  sin- 
ner, on  supposition  the  divine  law,  by  which  he  is  thus 
^  characterized,  be  holy,  the  variance  is  to  be  considered 
intirely  justifiable  on  the  part  of  God,  It  is  therefore 
on  the  part  of  man  that  the  change  of  character  essen< 
tial  to  die  proposed  agreement,  must  exist  This  is, 
when,  through  the  word  and  Spirit,  he  exhibits  the 
qualities  of  a  true  penitent,  receiving  the  oflfer  of  for- 
giveness and  of  life,  humbly,  joyfully,  and  with  a  be- 
lieving heart.  The  reconciliation  will  then  become 
mutual.  It  is  of  some  importance,  in  this  place,  to 
observe,  that  the  same  ideas  must  necessarily  be  en- 
tertained in  the  mind  of  God  concerning  the  evil  of 
sin,  when  he  pardons  ity  as  when  it  exists  in  thejirst 
instance.  No  altox-ation,  in  tliis  respect,  is  ever  possi- 
ble with  the  divine  Being.  On  any  other  supposi- 
tion, our  views  of  the  nature  of  pardon  must  be  intire- 
ly obscure.  To  the  contemplation  of  the  sanctity 
comprised  in  forgiving  love^  must  be  attributed  the 
reciprocal  enjoyment  between  the  reconciled  sinner, 
and  his  Maker : — For,  as  repentance  cannot  fml  to^ 
involve  the  disapprobation  of  sin,  the  effect  will  be  re- 


;S"?' 


>f-T{**(4^#»"'^ 


\    '- 


-- '--' ■^-'■^-^-'H^^^  '-^s^i^^^'j^..  ^ 


"'-T 


F,,t,.(-. 


I*. 


alizecl  not  in  the  mere  desire  of  emancipation  from 
the  condemning  power  of  a  perfect  law,  which  even 
the  impenitent  might  experience,  but,  as  coexistent 
properties,  and  of  much  higher  importance,  in  the  ad- 
miration  of  the  character  of  the  legislator — ^thelove  of 
divine  holiness — and  the  cordial  acknowledgment  that 
salvation  is  of  pure  grace  through  Jesus  Christ. 

This  is  the  state  of  reconciliation  which  the  Apos- 
tle, in  the  most  striking  manner,  delineates  in  his  ad- 
dress to  the  Corinthians,  in  which  he  says,  **  The 
*'  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us,  because  we  thus 
*' judge',  that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead : 
*'  And  that  he  died  for  all,  that  they  which  live, 
'*  should  not  henceforth  live  unto  tliemselves,  but  un- 
^*to  him  which  died  for  them,  and  rose  again." 
**  Therefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  crea- 
**  ture :    Old  things  are  passed  away ;    behold,  all 
**  things  are  become  new :  And  all  things  are  of  God, 
**  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  himself  by  Jesus  Christ, 
**  and  hath  given  to  us  the  ministry  of  reconciliation : 
"to  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the 
*'  world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses 
*'  unto  them ;  and  hath  committed  unto  us  the  word 
*'  of  reconciliation.    Now  then  we  are  ambassadors 
**  for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us  : 
*•  We  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled 
"  to  God." 

Whoever  pays  the  least  attention  to  the  gospel, 
must  discover  that  its  very  genius  consists  in  its  apt* 
ness  as  a  mean,  to  rescue  the  descendants  of  Adam 
from  the  fatal  effects  Of  sin,  and  illustrate  the  riches  of 
redeeming  love  in  their  everlasting  felicity.  The 
'  sacred  scriptures  consider  true  religion  or  holiness. 


M 


9 


whether  applicable  to  the  divine  Beinp; ,  or  to  his  ra- 
donal  creatures  as  consisting  in  love.  But  of  all  the 
grades  of  this  affection,  the  most  exalted  is  that  which 
extends  to  enemies.  And  the  reason  is,  that  the  puri- 
ty or  disinterestedness  of  its  nature,  is  more  conspicu- 
ous and  abundant.  It  b  said  that  **  scarcely  for  a 
**  righteous  man  will  one  die  ;  yet  peradventure  for 
*'  a  good  man,  some  would  even  dare  to  die.  But 
"  God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that  while 
"  we  were  sJmterSf  Christ  died  for  us." 

I  have  thus  briefly  considere  \  the  nature  of  the  re- 
conciliation of  which  the  Apos/e  treats.  A  more 
extensive  view  will  open  when,  as  proposed  in  the 
SECOND  PLACE,  we  consider  its  effects. 

And  First,  It  is  evident  that  among  aU  the  moral 
beings  in  the  created  system,  there  are  none  for  whom 
the  author  has  employed  more  attention,  or  whose  fu- 
ture happiness  he  more  earnestly  seeks,  than  the  re- 
deemedy  who  are  reconciled  to  him  through  his  Son. 
The  Apostles  concur  in  their  ideas  of  the  gospel,  as  a 
display  of  divine  wisdom,  power,  and  love,  united^ 
This  opinion  is  corroborated  by  the  fact,  that  in  the 
scheme  of  redemption  by  Christ,  the  character  of  the 
Father  appears  to  be  illustrated  by  means  more  inter- 
tsttngy  multiform^  and  comprehensvocy  than  apply^  to 
any  manifestations,  within  our  knowledge,  of  die  di- 
vine goodness  merely.    To  one  who  has  been  a  friend^ 
or  virtuous  beingy  it  may  in  general  be  safe  and  expe- 
dient to  do  a  kindness.      But  when  it  is  done  to  an 
enemyy  as  the  siiuier  may  be  viewed  in  relation  to  his 
God,  it  must  be  done  circumspectly — it  must  be  done 
naisely.    In  the  former  case,  the  process  may  be  plain 
and  easy.     In  the  latter,  preliminary  considerations 
B 


.  i:i-.J  i^^tilxV^JiJ-.'. 


i'^r'T 


10 


may  be  needful.  The  rights  of  the  divine  goverh- 
ment  may  require  to  be  guarded — ^the  laws  honoui^- 
ed — religion  exalted — and  the  obligation  to  the 
practice  of  holiness,  with  the  inexcusableness  of  sin, 
exhibited  by  additional  light.  Pardoning  mer(y,  as 
delineated  in  the  gospel,  is  an  exemplification  of  tlie 
character  of  a  righteous  God.  It  is  dignified,  as  it  is 
benignant; — grand,  whilst  it  is  mild — embracing  jus- 
tice to  created  beings  in  general,  as  well  as  commise- 
ration to  offenders. 

' Secondly,  There  are  many  circumstances  con- 
nected with  the  state  of  the  redeemed^  evincing  an  high 
capacity  for  the  progression  in  knowledge,  and  the 
consequertt  attainment  of  the  most  exalted  felicity.  It 
yi2&  said  by  the  Tempter y  to  Eve,  that  if  she,  and  her 
husband,  would  take  of  the  fiiiit  prolubited  by  their 
Maker,  they  should  be  "  as  Gods,  knowing  good  and 
"  evil."  Without  commenting  on  the  particular 
gleaning  of  tiiis  declaration,  there  is  a  general  appli- 
cation in  the  present  ca^e,  conspicuous  and  easy. 
Po  not  healtii,  succeeding  sickness — life,  after  the 
foreboding  fears  of  death — and  joy,  in  exchange  for 
sorrow,  receive  a  perceptible  augmentation  through 
the  power  of  contrast  ?  It  is  only  to  apply  the  princi- 
ple— familiar  in  common  concerns — ^to  the  subject  of 
r^/z^/on,  and  the  doctrine  must  stand  confessed.  If 
the  know  ledge  of  natural  evily  which  the  Christian  en- 
dures in  the  present  state,  will  confessedly  enhance  the 
enjoyment  of  the  tranrjuillity  in  heaven,  it  is  quite  as 
reasonable  to  believe  tViat  the  knowledge  of  moral  evil 
may  also  contribute  to  the  same  end.  Sin,  when  it  is 
conquered — the  circumstance  of  the  conquest  being 
essential  to  the  argument— as  well  as  affliction  when  it 


11 


is  withdrawn,  will  necessarily  ^ve  place  to  new  facul- 
ties— assi&Ung  the  mind  in  contemplation  of  the  glo- 
rious objects  to  be  disclosed  to  its  view — adding  rev- 
O^nce  to  delight,  and  holy  wonder  to  grateful  love. 
Like  the  dawn  of  morning  after  the  gloomy  shade  ; 
or,  as  the  light  on  the  first  day  of  the  creation,  dispell- 
ing the  darkness  from  the  face  of  the  deep,  so  is  die 
mercy  of  the  Lord  to  the  believer  redeemed  from  in- 
iquity ;  entered  by  the  recording  angel  in  the  book 
of  life,  and  reconciled  tp  God  through  the  blood  of 
the  cross.  It  is  a  noble  scene  the  Apostle  intro- 
duces in  the  book  of  Reyelation,  in  which  the  el- 
ders are  beheld  *^  falling  down  before  the  Lamb,  hav- 
^*  ing  every  one  of  them  harps  and  golden  viols  full  of 
'*  odours,  which  are  the  prayers  of  saints,  singing  a 
"n^w  songy  saying,  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the 
'*  book,  and  to  open  the  seals  thereof ;  for  thou  wast 
'*  slain,  and  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood." 

At  a  time  when  moral  truth  is  investigated  with  th^ 
most  critical  eye,  no  preacher  can  expect,  nor  ought 
he  to  desire  that  any  reliance  should  be  placed  on  his 
own  opinion,  until  reduced  to  the  unerring  standard 
of  divine  writ. 

To  the  candid  inquiry  of  this  respectable  audielace, 
I  therefore  subml'^  die  present  interestjj^  -subject-^ 
whilist,  for  believing  the  plan  of  man*s  redemption  to 
be  so  transcendentiy  ^orious  among  the  works  of 
God,  I  proceed  tc  ofier  the  following  reasons  :— ^ 

Firsts  The  being  employed  in  negotiating  this 
work,  is  no  less  than  the  only  begotten  and  dearly  be^ 
loved  Son  of  God,  by  whom  all  the  worids  were  made ; 
who  is  before  all  tilings,  and  by  whom  all  things 
consist* 


^ 


Secondly  y  The  pains  and  toils  which  this  dbtinguish* 
ed  person  endured  in  the  execution  of  the  work,  aug- 
ment our  ideas  of  its  importance.  In  the  creation, 
preservation,  and  government  of  the  world,  astonish- 
ing power  and  wisdom  are  employed.  There  is 
notlung,  however,  in  these  exertions,  but  what  is  per- 
fectly easy  with  the  authw.  But  in  reconciling  Mi- 
ners to  God,  there  must  be  labour,  and  suffering,  yea 
death.  And  give  me  leave  to  add — ^this  labour  may, 
in  a  sense,  be  said  to  have  embraced  the  mind  even  of 
the  Father  of  our  Lord.  As  Abraham  consented  to 
cSkr  up  Isaac,  "  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave 
**  his  only  begotten  Son"  to  die  on  the  cross.  If  tiie 
good  resulting  from  this  event  was  so  great  as  to  ab- 
sbrb  the  idea  of  the  evil,  affording  to  the  mind  of 
the  Father  the  enjoyment  of  infinite  felicity  on  the 
whole-— which  we  are  bound  to  believe — it  is  not- 
f^ithstanding  true,  that  the  great  benevolence  implied 
in  the  act,  arises  from  the  par^ular  circumstance, 
diat  viewed  abstractedly  fix>m  the  consequences,  \% 
must  have  been  discordant  to  his  parental  a£fec)ionS)i 
and  in  which  it  may  be  supposed,  reluctance  jmust 
have  occupied  his  mind.  -^  .  ^,  ^,v^  v. 

Thirdly,  The  interest  which  the  glorious  angels  take 
in  the  work  of  man's  redemption,  is  another  evidence 
of  its  magnitudct  They  attended  the  Son  of  God 
when  he  was  on  earth,  9nd  are  declared  to  be  *'  min-. 
"  istering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  ipinister  for  them  who 
"shallbe  heirs  of  solvation,"  ,       ,, 

Fourthly  The  concern  which  it  appears  the  other 
orders  of  intelligent  beings  will  have  with  the  judg- 
ment of  mankind  at  the  last  day,  is  a  further  proof  of 
the  general  importance  of  the  christian  system,    A^ 


tl 


both  the  good  and  bad  angels  have  taken  dlffereni^ 
parts  in  what  relates  to  the  Redeemer's  kingdom — 
the  one  class,  to  promote,  the  other,  to  oppose  its  de- 
signs— it  b  intimated  that  at  the  close  of  human  affiurs 
and  end  of  the  world,  they  will  appear,  in  the  same  as- 
sembly  with  men,  in  the  presenc*  of  the  Judge,  for 
die  revelation  of  the  important  decree-^the  public  and 
ifinal  adjustment  of  their  respective  states.  ^^«.'^^*>'«  " 

Lastfyf  The   similarity  in  nature  between  Jesus 
Christ  and  the  redeemed,  is  also  a  proof  of  the  great 
distinction  he  will  confer  on  the  heirs  of  salvation. 
'*  He  took  not  on  hun  the  nature  of  angels,  but  the  seed 
"  of  Abraham.''     In  this  nature,  he  was  personally 
acquainted  with  the  wants  of  men;  and  by  being 
tempted  as  they  were,  acquired  a  feeling  for  their  in- 
firmides,  being  himself  also  in  the  body.    It  is  evi- 
dent from  the  New  Testament  that  the  blessed  Jesus 
will  be  recognised  in  heaven,  as  having  once  possess- 
ed humanity,  and  as  the  Lamb  slain  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world.     There  is  great  reason  to  believe 
there  will  be  an  external  similitude  between  the  Re- 
deemer  and  his  people,  by  which  they  will  be  distin- 
guished as  the  l^ad  and  members  of  the  same  body. 
I  leave  it  with  ev^  candid  reader  of  the  Bible  to  de- 
termine, whether  on  the  whole,  there  b  not  abundant 
evidence  of  a  peculiar  predilection  for  the  saints  in  the 
divine  counsds,  admitting  them  to  a  very  exalted 
state  of  communi(Mi  with  God  a:>id  the  Lamb.    Take 
as  an  illustration  of  tl^s  sentiment  the  words  of  our 
Saviour  the  last  evening  he  spent  with  his  dbciple% 
when  he  addressed  his  Father  and  said,  **  Holy  Far 
**  ther,  keep  through  thine  own  name,  those  whom 
f  *  thou  hast  given  me,  that  tbey  may  be  one,  as  we 


H 


**»!«."  "Neither  pray  I  for  these  ftlone,  but  for 
."  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me  through  ^eir 
**  word :  Tlv^t  they  aU  may  |?e  pne,  as  thou  Father 
^*  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee ;  that  they  also  may  be  one 
"  in  us ;  that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast 
♦*  sent  me.  And  the  glory  which  thpu  gavest  we,  I 
♦*have  given  Aem;  that  they  may  be  one,  evw 
"asweareone:  lin  tl^emr  and  thpu.  in  me,  that  they 
«  may  be  madp  perfect  in  one,  and  that  the  world 
"  may  know  that  thou  ha^t  sent  me,  and  hast  loved 
"  them,  as  thou  hast  loved  me."  To  the  same  pur- 
pose are  the  words  of  the  Apostle  to  the  Ephesians — • 
**  That  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hone  of  his  calling, 
**  and  what  the  riches  of  the  ^ory  of  his  inheritance 
*'  in  the  saints :  And  what  is  the  exceeding  greatness 
"  of  Iris  power  to  us- ward  who  believe,  according  to 
**  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  which  he  wrought 
<*  in  Christ  when  he  nused  him  from  the  dead  ;  and 
**  set  him  at  his  own  ri^^it  hand  in  heavenly  plac^  ; 
"  fiir  above  all  principality,  and  power,  and  might,  and 
"^dominion,  and  every  name  that  is  named,  not  only  in 
"  this  world  but  in  ttmt  which  is  to  come  :  And  hath 
**  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the 
"  head  over  all  things  to  the  church,  which  is  his 
<*  body,  the  fulness  of  h|m  that  ^leth  all  in  all." 

3uch  then  is  the  nature ,  Vffy^  such  are  the  vast  effectg 
(^  the  reconciliation  expressed  in  the  text^  . , .  , 

But  I  conceive  there  is  contained  a  further  idea. 
Though  in  a  literal  sense,  it  may  be  said  that  the  act  of 
reconciliation  implies  the  making  peace  subsequent  to 
a  state  of  discord,  it  is  not  necessary  to  limit  it  to  this 
meaning.  The  application  to  the  things  in  heaven  as 
well  as  the  things  in  eartht  leads  us  to  conclude  the  in* 


Mi-. 


■4 


m 


spired  writer  oomprehehded  in  his  mind  the  concerns 
cf  hth  vjorhhi  which  it  w&s  piDbably  his  design  to  rep- 
resent as  inti^uced  thrbugh  Christ,  into  Rgenera/  state 
ofcotineiciony  or  arranged,  according  to  their  respective 
conditions  and  dependencies,  under  one  perfect— nmu 
form — or  intire  system  of  govemment^-correspcmd- 
ing  with  all  the  objects  of  the  Father's  willj  and  com- 
petent  to  the  fullest  illustration  of  the  divine  glory. 

It  is  presumable  there  is  no  christian  philosopher 
but  must  rejoice  in  the  belief  that  some  plan  of  divine 
government,  in  its  nature  completely  glorious,  wise, 
and  good,  must  in  reality  exist — ^that  whatever  diis 
may  be,  it  must  necessarily  look  beyond  time  into 
eternity— embrace  all  events — include  all  beings,  and 
cbmprehend  all  worlds — ^that  vdiilst  the  greatest  dis- 
play will  ultimately  be  made  through  its  instrumental- 
ity, of  the  natural  but  especially  the  moral  perfections 
of  its  author,  the  object,  on  the  whole,  is  the  highest 
possible  good  of  the  vast  system.^     In  this  plan  it 


-II 


*  That  of  all  fioatible  systems,  the  beat  is  actually  chosen  bjr 
God,  was  long  ago  maintained  with  much  learning  by  the  cel- 
ebrated Leibnitz,  a  German  philosopher.  It  would  be  im- 
proper to  discuss  the  subject  with  any  minuteness  in  this 
place.  To  the  works  of  this  author,  with  those  of  Dr.  Clarke, 
And  many  other  excellent  divines  of  more  modem  date,  there 
is  an  easy  access.  ,j[t  is  a  pleasing  observation  that  the  most 
important  truths  in  religion  are  generally  the  plainest.  The 
doctrine  to  which  this  note  has  reference,  is  presumed  to  be  of 
this  description.  To  the  learned  and  to  the  unlearned,  the 
gospel  is  addressed.  Suppose  it  to  be  said  that  of  ill  poaaiUe 
ayatema  the  Almighty  has  not  ch6sen  the  beat :  would  not  the 
unlearned  reply—//  m  imfioaaible  ? — ^Grateful  and  happy  ought 
they  to  be,  whose  time,  profession,  and  taste,  admit  Uie  seriws 


16 


inay  be  concluded,  there  Ui  a  perfect  unity  of  design, 
interwoven  however  with  a  vast  variety  of  subordi- 
nate parts ;  and  this  variety  among  the  parts,  so  ad- 
mirably adjusted,  as  to  display  the  greatest  grandeur 
of  the  unity,  >  ,  *  v^ 

'  But  not  only  is  a  who!e  composed  conmionly  of  its 
known  parts :  In  most  systems  of  government  which 
are  of  human  origin,  and  have  been  submitted  to  hu- 
man observaUon,  it  has  generally'  been  conceded  to 
be  essential  to  their  perfection,  that — as  in  some  mag- 
nificent edifice,  or  noble  draught  of  nature — among  the 
partSy  there  should  be  a  principal — ^regulating  their 
dependencies — governing  their  proportions— or  di- 
recting their  ends — and  conspiring,  through  this  rela- 
tion, to  set  off  to  the  best  advantage,  the  absolute  beath 
(y  of  the  original  design.  ,% 

And  may  not  this  doctrine  apply  with  equal  propri- 
ety to  the  divine  government^  as  to  any  other  ?  Is  it 
not  attested  by  sacred  writ  that  the  application  in 
reality  exists?  And  can, we  require  more  substantial 
evidence  than  is  already  furnished  in  the  scriptures,  that 
the  principal  Vfork  in  the  moral  system,  is  the  redemption 
of  mankind  through  the  Son  of  God,  who,  as  Media- 
tor, stands  in  a  joint  relation  to  him  who  sent  him, 
and  those  to  whom  he  was  sent ;  and  being  the 
brightness  of  the  Father*s  glory,  and  exjness  image 
of  his  person,  may,  in  union  widi  die  saints,  in  whom 
also  dwells  his  image,  be  considered,  like  the  natund 


investigation  of  these  subjects  ;  and  notwithstanding  the  great 
pleasure  and  advantt^  derived  from  many  other  branches  of 
science,  find  the  chief  relish  in  the  knowledge  of  divine  truth-^ 
the  sublime  study  of  moral  fihilotofihy. 


<**  ;^  ■ 


IT 


sun  to  the  earth  and  other  planets,  as  a  glorious  centre, 
communicating  life,  light,  and  knowledge  throuf^  the 
whole  intelligent  creation.  If  it  has  pleased  the 
Father  that  in  him  all  fulness  should  dweU,  undoubt- 
edly it  was  for  the  purpose  of  its  communication. 
And  by  what  method  tlUs  communication  is  made, 
the  Apostie  asserts  in  his  Epistie  to  the  Ephesians,  in 
which  we  read,  "  Unto  me,  who  am  less  tha  \  the  least 
V  of  all  sunts,  is  this  grace  g^ven,  that  I  should  preach 
**  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ :  And  to  make  all 
**  men  see,  what  is  the  fellowship  of  the  mystery, 
**  which  from  the  be^nning  of  the  world  hath  been 
*'  hid  in  God,  who  created  all  tilings  by  Jesus  Christ ; 
**  To  the  intent  tiiat  now  unto  principalities  and  pow- 
'*ers  in  heavenly  places,  might  be  known  by  the 
**  church*  the  manifold  wisdom  of  God ;  according 
*'  to  the  eternal  purpose  which  he  purposed  in  Christ 
**  Jesus  our  Lord."  \-r  -,/.  / .:.?  r..>-5V/ '  ,*«U 

From  evidence  so  abundant,  it  is  to  be  concluded 
that  not  only  the  redeemed,  but  also  the  good  angeh 
will  be  highly  benefited  by  the  plan  of  redemption. 
And  if  there  are  other  orders  of  wise  and  good  beings 
in  the  worlds  above  and  around  us— or  if  such  orders 
should^  at  any  future  time,  be  called  into  existence,  it 
may  be  apprehended  that  the  contemplation  of  the 
great  mysteiy  of  the  cross,  will  form  a  part  of  their 
employment ;  and  that  the  knowledge  of  God,  will, 
in  groit  measure,  be  communicated  through  their  in- 
tercoune  with  the  redeemed.^    Even  the  punishment 


*  See  Doddridge's  Paraphrase  on  this  verae,  and  the  >8th 
and  19th  following. 

t  That  the  various  naterial  systems  throughout  the  uni- 
vene  are  replenished  with  rational  inhabitants,  has  often  been 

C 


^  / 


u 


of  fa^^en  angels  and  impenitent  men,  may  be. presum- 
ed to  bear  a  rM/thougli  subordinate  relation  to  the  pri- 
mary objects  of  the  mediation  ;  and  including  the  cn*- 
cumstances  of  the  cdmparative  numbers  of  these  un> 
happy  beings,  and  the  perpetuity  of  their  punishment, 
must  be  viewed  in  the  quality  of  partial  evils,  admit- 
ted for  the  sake  of  the  general  goc)d4    If  there  were 

supposed  by  Philosophers ;  and  the  opinion  appears  to  be  gidn* 
ing  ground.  The  sacred  scriptures  are  silent  on  this  subject. 
The  remarli  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  inchides  no  other 
than  a  supposition,  for  the  sake  of  an  inferencf-.>4he  applic»* 
tioa  of  which»  to  this  part  ^f  the  discourse,  will  readilyr  be  dis* 
cernedby  the  reader.  ;.  .,  ...„,,.  ,._^.,;-.,...4.  ..\^Lf\-,u  r-']'  •• 
(  Allowing  the  expectation  of  a  MUIennium,'or  flourishing 
state  of  religion  for  a  thousand  years  prior  to  the  end  of  tl^e 
<i^rld,  there  is  no  difficulty  in  concluding  that  the  nun^ber  of 
the  redeemed  will  be  vastly  greater  than  of  those  who  will  be 
lost.  When  our  Saviour  remarked  on  the  smalt  proportion  of 
persons  walking  in  the  path  of  life»  he  appears  to  have  had  ref- 
erence to  the  age  in  which  he  lived,  with  other  times  not  em- 
bracing any  general  prevalency  of  rirtue,  but  much  abounding 
in  iniquity.  The  inquiry  proposed  by  one  of  hia  fdlowers, 
**  Are  there  few  that  be  saved,"  is  eiddently  founded  on  sevend 
parables  he  had  just  heard ;  in  one  of  which)  the  Avine  tioacii- 
er  had  compered  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  or  state  «f  religion  at 
that  season,  to  a  grain  of  mustard  seed  whicb  is  very  small,  but 
if  put  into  the  earth,  becomes  in  the  proper  time>  a  great  tree, 
admitting  the  fowls  of  heaven  to  lodge  in  its  branches.  T^ey 
who  hold  to  the  doctrine  of  endless  misery,  and  yet  conceive 
that  hat  few  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  irill  fimdiy  be  safred, 
must  be  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  finding  a  competent  number 
of  subjects  for  future  happinejM  frpm  other  systems  than  those 
to  which  their  information,  on  this  point,  at  present  extends,  or 
of  yielding  to  very  derogatory  ideas  on  the  nat»r»of  iho  divine 
perfections.— There  are  others  who  assert  that  the  perpetual 
paishment  of  a»y  numiber  of  moral  boiogsy  thou|^  ooi9para- 
4vtly  smalU  wouhl  be  intirely  inconsistewt  with  the  %HribiH«* 


19 


»'«M;«>WMI 


a  single  event— ^t  any  time — among  any  beingSp-KMr 
in  any  world,  incapable  of  subjection  to  the  design  of 
infinite  benevolence,  it  would  afgue  a  defect  in  ihi 
general  system.  But  taking  all  events  collectively — 
widi  tiieir  various  dependencies  on  each  oUiet)  there 
caii  ht  no  defect"-hut  there  will  be  reason  through 
eternity  for  the  saints  and  angels  tti  unite  in  the  an- 
them **  Alleluia,  for  the  Lord  God  onmipotent  reign- 
'*  eth. »»  **  Blessing,  and  honour,  and  gkny ,  and  pow- 
'*  er  be  unto  him  that  sitteth  uj^on  the  thniiie,  and  un- 
*«  to  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever."  ^--  mm4QiiiQ4 

Thus  I  have  o&red  to  you  a  i^w  thoughts  respect- 
ing  the  peace  and  reconciliation  procured  through  the 
cross  of  our  blessed  Lord ;  implying  a  state  of  love 
and  harmony  in  the  hearts  of  penitent  sinners  toward 
God ;  and  also  a  design  and  tendency  in  the  plan  of 


.>':J  '.J 


-i 


i -"fS 


of  their  Maker.  I  Mk,  and  why  not  their  punishmoit  for  vny 
limited  time  ?  On  the  same  principle,  is  it  not  a  blemish  in  th«) 
divine  government  for  evil,  of  any  description,  to  have  been 
»:^initted  into  the  system  at  aU?  That  after  a  prescribed,  perl* 
od,  nothing  should  exist  b«t  perfect  tranquillitf  and  «alm  r&. 
pose-^no  bcdngt}  except  those  who  will  be  united  in  ^e  same 
views,  actions,  and  enjoyments,  may  at  first  thought  appear  dd« 
sirable.  Perhaps  however— «s  iv  the  nature  wor/tf,  where  • 
cerUdn  degree  oi  agitation  is  essentiaii  to  the  support  of  the  <  ^'^ 
mentary  sysiem-^^so,  io  the  moral  constitution  of  tMng»t  some- 
thing of  the  same  kind  iQay  always  be  required  for  the  excite- 
ment of  fresh  vigour  and  attention-^the  renewed  exhibitions  of 
the  divine  holiness  and  power-*.and  the  general  progression  i^ 
Ithe  knowledge  of  God.-^But  can  man  prescribe  to  his  Maker  ? 
With  the  imperfections  annexed  to  his  present  state,  is  he  able 
to  fiithoni  the  deep  counsels  of  Jehovah,  and  give  rulea  foi; 
eternity  ?    "  To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony,"  b«  the  iaterestr 


TT^iii..ij.#r'i>a|iti:< 


80 


Wfl 


the  divine  goyemment  to  promote  the  objects  of  infin- 
ite wisdom  and  benignity  in  the  general  sjrstem.    ^ 

Before  the  discourse  is  dosed,  it  may  be  proper,  for 
a  few  moments,  to  advert  to  the  fact  of  the  approxima- 
tion to  that  happy  time,  wlien  in  the  course  of  divine 
providence,  a  glorious  specimen  will  be  g^ven  of  the 
effects  of  this  reconciliation,  during  the  spiritual  reign 
of  the  Messiah  in  the  present  world.  For  a  long  sue- 
cesucm  of  ages,  the  church  of  Christ  has  been  like  a 
body  of  men  travelling  through  a  wilderness,  incom- 
passed  with  dangers.  On  numerous  occasions  it  has 
Indeed  appeared  in  majesty— exlabitm^  proof,  as  the 
Jews  in  their  journey  between  Egypt  and  Canaan,  that 
its  great  Captain  was  its  redeemer  and  friend.  Not- 
withstanding  the  evils  of  many  past  ages,  no  less  than 
of  the  present,  a  sacred  voice  has  pronounced,  and  the 
harm(»iious  accents  may  yet  be  heard,  "  Prepare  ye 
<*  the  way  of  the  Lord ;  niake  straight  in  the  desert  a 
**  high  way  for  our  God.  Eveiy  valley  shall  be  exalt* 
**  ed,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made  low : 
**  and  the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight,  and  the 
**  rough  places  plain :  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall 
"  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall  see  it  together;  for 
« the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it"  The  vari- 
ous promises  to  the  Jews  on  this  subject,  not  only 
combine  the  event  of  their  reformation,  and  acknowU 
edgment  of  the  Messiah  whom  their  fathers  slew,  but 
probably  of  their  return  to  their  own  country,  and  un- 
interrupted possession  of  Judea  again.  Their  pres- 
ervation as  a  distinct  nation,  notwithstanding  their 
4^spersion  m  all  parts  of  the  earth — ^their  general  ex- 
pectation of  the  event-r- their  disconnexion  from  all 
civil  governments — ^the  manner  in  m  hich  they  hold 


91 


4t 


thdr  property,  which  is  duefly  peraoiud,  being  a  ready 
moveable,  together  with  the  present  neglected  state  of 
their  ancient  country ; — ^these  circumstances  united- 
ly strengthen  the  expectation  of  the  event,  and  render 
it  an  exhilarating  object  of  the  Christian's  feith. 

The  conversion  of  the  Jews,  in  the  language  of  all' 
inspired  writer,  will  be  as  life  from  the  dead^  arousing 
the  world  from  its  spiritual  slumbers — a  prelude,  it  is 
probable,  of  the  general  reception  of  Christianity  in  all 
the  natiois  on  earth — ^when  the  standard  of  the  Lord 
will  be  lifted  up — ^the  skies  pour  down  righteous- 
ness— ^peace  also  wUl  flow  like  a  river,  and  all  men 
know  die  Lord  from  the  least  to  the  greatest. 

Though  these  events  are  in  a  state  of  postponement, 
the  church  is  still  the  object  of  its  heavenly  Leader's 
care ;  and  members  are  continually  added,  of  such  as 
shall  be  saved.  In  our  old  settlements  on  this  cond. 
nent,  and  in  the  new — among  the  Abori^es,  and 
the  present  occupants  of  the  soil  from  which  they 
have  retired — ^in  die  polished  cities  and  in  the  fore^t^ 
new  converts  as  well  as  established  bdievers  are  coiW 
stantly  rejoicing  in  the  doctrines  of  the  cross. 

To  promote  this  work,  my  christian  friends  an^ 
brethren,  we  are  convened  at  this  time.  The  desire 
which  is  thus  publicly  expressed  to  extend  the  gos- 
pel to  others^  indicates  of  what  importance  we  consid- 
er its  application  to  ourselves.  The  observation, 
though  trite,  is  interesting — It  is  the  best  gift  qfGod- 
to  man.  Reconciled  by  this  gospel  to  the  Being  we 
have  often  offisnded,  but  who  yet  retuns  the  relation 
of  our  Father  in  heaven — ^how  vast  our  inheritance ! 
how  boundless  our  views !  With  the  source  of  life 
and  joy-— the   author  of  eternal   blessedness,    wq 


■  f 


m. 


I 


(t 


<« 


bave,  in  tbia;  case,  U^  same  interest  and  delig[ht» 
His  cause  may  ^  copside^ed  as  our  cause ;  and  the 
tcnour  which  will  redound  to  him  through  ail  his 
mighty  works,  as  tbf  reward  of  our  fiuth.  Whilst 
the  impenitent  who  indulge  the  rcliith  for  sin,  have 
their  only  portion  in  themselves — renovated  by  the 
knowledge  of  ce|esti^  truth,  our  aspirations  reach  far 
beyond,  and  our  treasure  is  already  in  heaven.  In  a 
sense,  all  beings  j^fe  ours — all  worlds  our  patrimo. 
ny — all  events  subordinate  to  our  best  wishes ;  and 
time  is  constantly  progrelssing  to  ennoble  and  leplf'n- 
ish  our  immortal  souls.  **  Whether  Paul,  or  Apol. 
los,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world,  or  life,  or  death,  or 
things  present,  or  things  to  come ;  all  are  ours,  and 
'*  we  are  Christy  and  Christ  is  God's.*'     ''      < '  ^' 

But  we  are  asseinbled  in  this  house  for  the  benefit 
of  others,  ho  less  dian  our  own.  A  voice  addressqi 
us  from  the  inhabitants  in  the  wilderness :  The  Ian. 
guage  is,  *'  Ci)nie  over,  and  help  us."  The  Apostle 
once  heard  it  in  a  vision  of  the  night,  when  the  man 
of  Macedonia  sfpod  before  him,  and  implored  his  aid 
fen*  the  people  then  elected  of  God.  We  hear  it  in  the 
^akeful  hours  of  each  returning  day :  With  equal 
emphasis,  it  salutes  ouf  ears-— on  business  of  like  im. 
IMMrtance,  it  applies  to  our  understandings — and  it  is 
calculated,  with  similar  energy,  to  command  some 
of  the  best  afllections  of  our  hearts.    . 

This  day  a  portion  of  our  subsuincc  ir. ;  .  be  offe"  -X 
in  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord.  iV  Itat  is  earthly ^  is 
thus  to  be  consecrated  to  a  spiritual  service — ^to 
change  its  desigviation,  from  the  purposes  of  the  pres. 
ent  life,  to  those  of  the  life  to  come — ^to  be  acknowU 


Vt 


^ 


edged  as  his  property,  an^  assigned  to  his  use,  who  . 
is  aWe  to  sanctify  t!ie  giver  and  the  gift ;  that  "  both 
**he  that  sanctifieth,    nd  they  w\\o  are  sanctifted," 
maV' be  ofie*     "  *'**"■*■*•*"■"♦  •••(•♦JvyKj  v^i!  >»»*  v^'  v*>y.i 

But  what  shall  be  the  rule  for  our  respective  con- 
tributions  on  this  occasion  ?  Ask  not  the  preacher. 
He  is  unable  to  inform  you.  Consider  the  value  of 
the  talents  you  have  received  yourselves.  Let  your 
inclinations  be  responsive  to  the  wishes  of  the  Re- 
deemer. Meditate  on,  the  high  nature  of  the  ser- 
vice. A  view  to  the  honour  of  your  Maker,  and  the 
eternal  benefit  of  yourfbUow-men,  will  be  sufficient  to 
regulate  your  present  offerings,  and  at  the  same  time 
improve  your  own  souls. 

"  To  open  the  blind  eyes — to  bring  out  the  prison- 
*'  ers  from  the  prison,  and  them  that  sit  in  darkness 
"  out  of  the  prison  house — to  bind  up  the  broken- 
"  hearted — comfort  them  that  mourn,"  and  patro- 
nise the  messengers  of  the  gospel  reconciliation  among 
a  people  who  are  "  in  lack  of  knowledge ;" — these 
are  emplojments  in  which  the  seraphs,  who  sund 
before  die  throne  on  high,  might  desire  to  be  en- 
g{^ed — but  they  are  assigned  to  you.  There  will 
be  joy  in  heaven,  if  you  are  instrumental  in  saving 
even  one  louI  alive.  The  charity  which  results  from 
the  experimental  acquaintance  \rith  the  doctrine  of 
reconciliation  through  the  blood  of  the  cross,  will  be 
registered  above.  Wherever  you  send  the  gospel, 
the  action  will  be  told  for  a  memorial.  Your  reward 
will  be  commensurate  with  eternity,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  who  came  to  them  who  are  nighf  and  afar 


34 


9ff; — in  whom  we  have  the  promise  of  eedempdoii  - 
for  ourselves,  by  the  gift  of  the  Hdy  Ghost,  and  ibr 
as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call  to  the  obedi* 
ence  of  the  like  precious  fiiith.— To  him  be  g^oiy  in 
the  church,  fw  ever  and  ever, 


AMEN. 


idemptiQfi 
It,  and  for 
lieobedi- 

:,.:_i.^___l ■     •      •   .^--.;.■^::^^'.-.v>■ 

;)•;    i  ■ 

» 

A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X.          ' 

< 

AN  ACT 

7*0  incorfiorute  certain  Pertontt  by  the  Mane  iff  the  Society 
Jbr  Propagating  the  Gotfiet  among  the  Indtant,  and  othertf  in 
Mirth  America. 

WHEREAS  diven  persons  have  petitioned  this  Court  for 
an  act  of  incorporation,  whereby  they  may  be  the  better  ena- 
bled to  carry  into  effect  their  design  of  propagating  the  Gospel 
a.mong  the  Indians  and  others  in  North  America^  and  it  is  rea- 
sionable  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  should  be  grant' 
ed  :  Therefore,  to  promote  and  encourage  the  samej 

.  I.  Beit  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  Hotue  qf  Refire»entative*t 
in  General  Court  a»tembledy  and  by  the  authority  qf  the  tanUf 
That  Richard  Cranch,  of  Braintree,  Esq.    Rev.  John  Clark,  of 
Boston,  Francis  Dana,  of  Cambridge,  Esq.  Rev.  Joseph  Eck- 
ley,  and  John  Eliot,  of  Boston,   Rev.  Nathaniel  Emmons,  of 
Franklin,  Rev.  Levi  Frisbie,  of  Ipswich,  Moses  Gill,  of  Prince- 
tQwn,and  William  Hyslop,  of  Brookline,  Esq'rs.  Rev.  Timo- 
thy Hilli^rd,  of  CanU)ridge,  JonathanMason,of  Boston,  Esq. 
^ev.  Phillips  Payson,  of  Chelsea,  Rev.  Eliphalet  Porter,  and 
Increase  Sumner,  Esq.  of  Roxbury,  Ebenezer  Storer,  Esq. 
Rev.  Petet"  Thatcher,,  and  Oliver  Wendell,  Esq.  of  Boston, 
Rev.  Joseph  Willard  and  Edward  Wigglesworth,  and  Samuel 
Williams,  Doctor  of  Laws,  of  Cambridge,  and  the  Rev.  Eben- 
ezer Wight,  of  Boston,  be,  with  such  others  as  they  shall 
elect,  and  they  hereby  are  incorporated,  and  made  a  body  poli- 
tic, for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  by  the  name  of  The  Society  for 
Propagating  the  Goapel  among  the  Indiana^  and  othera,  in  ^Ibrth 
America  ;  and  the  Society  aforesaid,  shall  have  perpetual  suc- 
cession, and  may  have  a  common  seal,  which  it  shall  be  lawful 
for  them  to  change,  break,  alter,  and  make  new  at  pleasure,  and 
may  purchase  and  hold  in  succession,  lands,  tenements,  and 
real  estate  of  any  kind,  the  annual  income  and  profits  whereof 
not  to  exceed  the  value  of  two  thousand  pounds.    And  the  said 
D 


5  !'#«*!'**  *-*»^, 'i^ 


So9i«t)r  is  Iuu;«b)r  enabled  to  take  and  receive  gubscriptiooa  of 
charitably  disposed  persohih  and  may  take  any  personal  estate 
in  succession ;  and  all  donations  to  the  Society,  either  by  sub* 
scriptions,  legacy  or  otherwise}  excepting  such  as  may  be 
differently  appropriated  by  the  donors,  ahaU  make  a  part  of, 
or  be  put  into  tk^^ca^tal  tfkock  bf  the  Sftcietjr,  Which  shall  be 
put  out  on  interest,  on  good  security,  or  otherwise  improved 
to  thtf  best  advantage,  and  the  income  or  profits  applied  to 
the  purposes  of  propagating  the  l^pcl  among  the  said  In- 
dians, in  such  manner  as  they  shail  judge  most  conducive 
to  answer  the  deMgn  of  their  institution ;  and  also  among 
other  people,  who  through  povertv  or  other  circumstances, 
are  destitute  of  the  means  of  religious  instruction  :    And 
the  said  Society  is  hereby  empowered  to  give  such  instruc. 
tions,    enters  and  encouragefnents    to  their    officers,    and 
itiMt  they  Shdtl  empl6y,  as   they^  shall  judge   necessary ; 
and  the  persons  employed  as  teachers  in  any  capacity,  shall  be 
men  of  the  Pr<Heatant  religion)  of  reputed  piety,  loyalty,  pru- 
dencei  knowledge  and  literature,  and  of  other  Christian  and 
necessary  qualifications  suited  to  their  respective  stations*    -m; 

it.  J7ti  be  iijvrther  enacted  by  the  authority  q^etaidt  tthat 
the  said  Society  shall  meet  at  some  convenient  place  in  the 
town  of  Bokton,  on  the  first  Thursday  of  December  next,  and 
then  ehooee  a  Pk^dent,  Vice>Pretideiit)  Treaaurer  aiid  Becfe- 
tary vand  sUch  othet*  officefs  aft  they  shall  judge  pM»per^  Md  maf 
ihak*  by-lawB  iiui  ebdeni,  for  the  regulation  of  the  aatd  SoeiMy  | 
prtiVldttd  subh  by-laws  and  orders  be  not  i^epugnant  t»  Um 
Uwa  of  the  bind,  and  act  upittx  all  mattfera  which  they  apprehend 
needful)  to  phMhMe  the  end  of  their  inatUuthm :  And  the  oA- 
ocrs  to  chofient  ehall  continue  in  their  office,  until  the  Thurs- 
day next  au«ceedhig  the  hut  Wednesday  of  May  next  following 
the  time  of  their  appointment. 

tit.  >^nd  be  U  Jurther  thacted^  That  there  ahall  be  a  general 
itaeetii^  of  the  members  of  the'  said  Society,  at  Boston,  afore- 
said, or  in  any  other  place  within  this  Commonwealth,  (unless 
some  extraordinary  occurrence  prevent  the  aame)  qn  the 
Thursday  aforesaid  in  May,  and  first  Thursday  of  Noveniber« 
yearly,  forever)  and  oftener  if  needful,  when  and  where  the 
said  Society  shall  think  fit ;  and  any  se^^en  of  the  members 
(the  l^residentf  Vice4^resident,  Treasurer  or  Secretary  always 
to  be  one)  being  convened  at  the  said  times  and  places,  are 
tiereby  declared  to  be  a  quorum  of  the  said  general  meeting  ( 
and  the  said  Society  at  their  general  meeting  in  May  in  every 
year  (and  in  case  of  any  extraordinary  occurrence  prevcntin|( 


II,-' 


;ti*S>!>'"f'»<>»'^"'*'98fei-«fF"     ivi^.  *•'    '..:.».» Jiw.'«.«- 


•7 


fkni'  mseHng)  tfaeo  at  thpir  next  gcnsral  mMtihg  after)  thall 
iQut  of  their  bwn  body»  by  a  nujeritir  of  Hm  men^iers  praacitt) 
jalecft  ft  ?r9iideDti  VieC'^Prtaident,  TrcasliKr  and  Seerctaris 
aiad  awh  other  offiaera  aa  thqr  alwU  find  neadfiilf  to  continue 
in  pfice  until  the  May  meeting  next  f<^owing  their  appoint- 
oumtt  oV  vntil  othera  lie  chosen  to  auoeeed  them ;  and  all  tl^ 
offiocra  afiiresaidf  before  they  ahall  be  quaU&ed  to  act,  thall  be 
4iMler  oethf  bat  the  fiuthfiil  performance  i^  their  rcapective 
Iroata  i  and  the  aaid  Soeieiy)  at  then'  firatfor  any  ether  atated 
meeting  (and  at  no  other)  may  elect  into  their  boiiiy,  such  per- 
eona  aa  thqr  ahall  judge  qualified}  to  aasiit  thsm  in  their  g«Mid 
design  t  pf<ynded  the  whole  mmdipr  of  the  aaid  Society)  dial! 
at  no  time  exceed  fifty  members ;  and  may  appoint  oonunit- 
lees,  to  prosecute  the:  ordera  of  viy  general  meeting  au4it,the 
treasurer's  accounts,  and  prepare  ipatters  top  the  Society  tf 
act  upon ;  and  such  comipittftes  shaU  e^i^hibit  an  account  pf 
their  proceedings,  at  the  general  meetvi^  of  &4ld  Society.    ^ 

IV,  yind  be  it  further  enacted^  That  the  Society  aforesai<f, 
by  the  name  aforesaid,  shall  be,  and  is  hereby  declared  to  be  ca« 
p(A>le  to  proiseoiite,  pursue,  and  defsnd,  in  alf courts  and  places, 
and  before  all  proper  judges  whatsoever,  all  actions,  causes^ 

!>rocesses  and  pleas,  of  what  kind  or  nature  soever,  in  the  ful- 
est  and  amplest  manner  {  umI  if  it  ahallhappen  that  the  said 
Society  shall  become  seized  of  lands,  or  tenements  by  mort* 
gag^,  as  security  for  the  payment  of  any  debts,  or  by  levying 
executions  on  l^ids  for  discharge  of  deb^  llue  to  the  said  Soci- 
ety, it  shall  be  lawfid  for  the  said  Society,  by  deed  under  the 
hand  and  seal  of  their  President*  jfor  the  time  beings  to  se|[l«nd 
convey  the  lands  acquired  In  either  of  the  two  mentioned 
ways ;  provided  that  no  such  sale  shall  be  made,  or  concluded 
on,  but  at  some  general  stated  meeting, 

V.  ^nd  be  it  further  enacted^  Thid  the  said  Society,  be,  and 
iumby  Is  ftn]Mvweredi  upon  tlie  'death  of  th^r  President, 
Vioei^asi(ton<^  Treaaurer,  Seere^y,  or  any  ether  effieer,  to 
dioese  others  at  any  stated  general  meeting,  toeucceed  themj 
and  may  also  remove  any  of  their  ofikers,  wheii  t^ey  shall 
judge  expcdent}  end  appoint  others  to  succeed  them  (herein; 
jProvuM  olawtyw,  That  no  member  ehaH  be  removed,  or  olR* 
oors  iieplaeed,  wiless  at  one  of  the  etated  general  meetings  as 
afcreaaid. 

And  to  the  end,  that  the  members  of  the  said  Society,  and 
all  contributors  to  the  said  design,  may  know  the  state  of  the 
Society's  stock,  and  the  dispositions  of  the  profits  thereof,  an^ 
of  al)  t/ttc  donations  made  to  the  said  Society : 


/  1 


28 


m\". 


VI.  Beitfiartherenacted^  That  a  particular  •ccottnt  of  mdi 
stock  and  disposition,  shall  be  exhibited  by  the  Treaiurer,  at 
«Tei7  stated  general  meeting ;  which  accounts,  the  Secretaiy, 
or  a  committee  of  the  said  Societf,  (having  examined  the  tame) 
shall  certify  to  be  true ;  and  &ir  entries  shall  be  made  in  pro- 
per books,  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose,  of  all  donations 
made  to  the  said  Society,  and  of  all  the  estate,  both  real  and 
personal,  belonging  to  Uie  Society,  and  of  the  incomes  thereof, 
and  also  of  all  trani^ticms,  either  by  themselves,  their  officers, 
or  committees,  for,  or  on  account  of  the  sud  Society ;  and  the 
said  books  shall  be  brought  to  the  stated  general  meetings  of 

.  the  Society,  and  be  there  open  for  the  perusal  and  examination- 
,    of  the  members. 

VII.  And  it  UJurther  enacted^  That  Moaea  Gill,  Esq.  be,  and 
V  he  hereby  is  authorized,  by  public  notification,  in  Jdama  and 

IAnir»e*a  Independent  Chronicle,  to  call  the  first  meeting  of 
.the  said  Society,  at  such  time  andplace^  in  the  town  otBoaioftf 
as  he  shall  judge  proper. 

CThiiact passed JV{w«»l»«r  19,  irsr.]  '.fM 

RULES  AND  REGULATIONS 


'J3W^;& 


For  the  Government  qf  the  Society  for  Profiagating  the  Gotf^el 
among  the  Indiana  and  otheifa  in  Mrth  America.    1  ,.T«/ 


•ih**-k--^ik^,ti  ■■■>  ■ 


i  *>iS  w  fc.  ^i-.i^£lf*«'l,  i'frtvtik,^ 


^■V-*v  .V- 


Bestde  the  choice  of  a  President,  Vice  President,  Treafturet 
and  Secretary  required  by  Charter  to  be  made  en  the  Thursday 
succeeding  the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  annually,  there  shall 
be  chosen  at  such  time,  a  Vice  Treasurer  and  Assistant  Secre- 
tary ;  a  Select  Committee  to  consist  of  five  persons,  and  a 
Committee  of  three  to  audit  the  Treasurer's  accounts.  Any 
extraordinary  occurrence,  however,  preventing  the  choice  on 
the  said  day,  they  may  be  chosen  at  the  next  stated  meeting,  . 

Of  the  Prerident  and  Vice  Preaident. 
1st.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preside  in  all 
meetings  of  the  Society  and  of  the  Select  Committee,  to  regu* 


'29 


Utt  the  debate*)  to  state  and  put  all  queations  regularly  made* 
to  call  for  reports  from  committees  or  otberst  to  keep  the  seal 
of  the  Society,  and  to  attend  to  the  execution  of  its  laws  and 
reguUtions. 

3d.  In  case'  of  the  absence  of  the  President  at  any  of  the 
meetings,  *he  Vice  President,  if  present,  shall  preside,  and  in 
case  of  the  absence  of  both,  any  member  present  may  be  nomi- 
nate and  chosen  for  that  purpose. 

3d.  The  President  shall,  ex  officio,  belong  to  the  Select 
Committee. 

4th.  In  case  of  the  death,  resignation,  or  inability  of  the 
President,  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  President  shall  devolve 
upon,  and  belong  unto,  the  Vice  President.       ^/uri^  .  » 

0/  the  Select  Commttee. 
1st.  The  Select  Committee  shall  from  time  to  time  condd- 
«r  of^  prepare,  and  report  such  matters  and  t  ..ings  to  the  stated 
meetings,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  to  be  laid  before  the 
Society  ;  and  in  general  such  plans  and  measures,  as  they  shall 
cmceive  best  calculated  for  accomplishing  the  benevolent  de- 
signs of  the  institution.  This  shall  not,  however,  preclude  any 
member  from  laying  before,  or  proposing  to  the  Society,  any 
matter  or  thing,  which  he  may  think  bemScial. 

Sd.  The  Select  Committee  shall  give  instructions  to  the  mis- 
sionaries, who  may  be  employed ;  the  same  being  conformable 
to  the  rules  of  the  Society,  or  not  repugnant  thereto,  examine 
their  Journals,  and  make  inquiry  into  the  success  of  their  mis- 
sions, and  all  matters  that  concern  the  same,  and  make  report 
from  time  to  time  to  the  Society.    ,       'jr  ■:<'i^-^--'i'~;-^<:K^-'^;^-::^ 

3d.  The  Select  Committee  shall  direct  the  Secretary  in  such 
correspondence,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary. 

4th.  The  Select  Committee  shall  examine  all  accounts  exhib« 
ited  against  the  Society,  and  the  same  being  certified,  examined, 
approved  and  signed  by  the  said  Committee,  or  the  major 
part  of  them,  with  an  order  thereon  from  the  President  or  Vice 
President  to  the  Treasurer,  the  same  shall  be  a  sufficient  au- 
thority to  the  Treasurer  for  payment,  agreeably  to  the  appro- 
priations and  votes  of  the  Society. 

5th.  The  Select  Committee  shall  hold  a  meeting,  at  least 
rome  time  within  a  month  before  each  stated  meeting  of  the  So- 
ciety. The  Secretary  shall  appoint  and  notify  the  time  and 
place  of  such  meeting,  at  least  seveu  days  previous  thereto. 


SG 


•  %. 


.  iv.' 


€(f  the  StcrHury. 

lit.  The  SecreUrjr  shall  hare  the  chai^  of  the  stitilte  and 
letterbookif  and  of  all  letterst  which  letters  shall  be  kept  hjr  him 
on  regular  &le  ;  and  he  shall  attend,  if  possible,  all  meeting* 
«f  the  Society  and  of  the  Select  Comroitteci  and  at  eadi  meet- 
ing of  the  Society  read  the  order*  and  entries  of  the  preced- 
ing meeting,  tahe  note*  of  the  order*  and  traniactiona  of  the 
present  meeting,  and  enter  the  same  in  the  boolu  to  which  thef 
respectively  relate ;  and  shall,  in  like  manner,  note  the  doings 
oftheSehict  Committee.  ' 

3d.  The  Secretary  shall  from  time  to  time,  lay  before  the 
Society  such  communications,  as  he  shall  have  received,  and 
such  correspondencies  as  he  shall  have  carried  on  under  tite 
direction  of  the  Society,  or  the  Setect  Committee. 

Sd.  The  Secretly  shall  record  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that 
purpose,  or  in  some  distina  part  of  his  record  book,  «U  appro* 
priation*  of  money  made  by  the  Society  ;  all  donations,  by 
whom,  and  when  speciaHy  appropriated ;  to  what  uses ;  «1I  reid 
and  personal  estate  acquired  by  the  Society,  by  purchase  or 
Otherwise  ;  and  of  all  sales  of  real  estate  made  by  the  Socie^^ 
which  shall  be  hud  before  the  Society  at  each  meeting,  ^^ 

4th.  In  the  absence  of  the  Secrettfy,  the  Assistant  Secreta- 
ry shall  possess  the  same  powers*  and  be  charged  with  the 
•ame  duties  as  the  Secretary. 

Qfthe  TVeoiurer  and  Vice  Trgaeurer. 
Ut.  The  Treasurer  and  Vice  Treasurer  shall  give  sufficient 
•ecurity,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Select  Committee)  for  the 
trust  reposed  in  them.  .  .  *».9m-}  v.^  ^m^  mrti ■ 

3d.  The  Treasurershall  receive  officially  all  monJe*  or  sum* 
of  money  due  or  payable^  and  all  bequests  and  dwnationSf 
that  may  be  made  to  the  Society,  and  improve  the  aame  to  the 
best  advantage  of  the  Society,  uid  in  such  manner,  as  he  shall 
judge  conducive  to  its  benefit,  except  in  cases  where  the  mode 
of  improvement  shall  be  especially  pointed  out  by  the  donor* 
or  by  the  Society,  or  advice  of  the  Select  Committee,  during 
any  recess  of  the  Society. 

3d.  The  Treasurer  shall  pay  such  sums  of  money  out  of  the 
Treasury  as  he  shall  have  orders  for,  pursuant  to  the  regu< 
lations  and  directions  of  the  Society,  and  not  otherwise. 

4th.  The  Treasurer  shaU*  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  pur- 
pose, ehter  all  the  estate  of  the  Society,  both  real  and  personal, 
Specifying  what  is  appropriated  and  what  is  not,  and  for  what 
tises,  if  appropriated  by  the  Society,  or  any  donor. 


"^  \ 


St 


tiryii 


5Sh.  Prtttbtt*  to  ct«T]r  ttttad  mffeUagt  the  Tmiurer't  ae* 
Mfttfttt  ahaln  be  audited  by  the  Committee  for  examining  the 
TrMauirer'aacooutitii.t  in  said  Committee  not  morcthail  one 
of  the  Select  Committee  shall  be  included. 

6th.  In  caie  of  the  death*  resignation*  pr  removal  of  the 
Treasurer,  the  Vice 'treasurer  shall  have  full  power  and  author- 
ity to  receive  all  books,  paners  and  efibcts,  that  were  vti  the  cub- 
todjr  6f  the  Treasurer,  and  which  belong  to  the  Society,  and  to 
git*  receipts  and  diseharves  for  the  same  in  the  name  of  the 
Societ)^,  a  duplicate  of  which  shall  be  lodQ;ed  with  the  Secreta- 
ry. The  same  process  shall  be  observed  upor>  the  choice  of  a 
new  TitMutipr  aftd  his  acceptance  of  the  office. 

..'till    ln>»»>*:.,iv    'Mi  .{>, {Ji  • 

•    *    ' ''  ^  0/MeeHngt. 

1st.  Previous  to  each  stated  meeting  of  the  Society,  the  Sec- 
retary shall  give  public  notice  in  one  or  more  of  the  Boston 
newspapers,  at  least  fourteen  days  before  such  meeting,  the 
President,  or  Vice  President  in  his  absence,  directing  time  and 
place. 

Sd*  Oceadomd  mecUngs  may  be  called*  whenever  the  Presi- 
dent* or  in  his  ^epce  the  Vice  President,  shall  direct  die 
same*  or  at  the  request  of  the  Selea  Committee,  or  when  a  re- 
quest is  signified  in  vmting  by  any  three  of  the  members  to 
the  President ;  and  such  occasional  meetings  shall  be  notified 
by  billeta  fSrom  the  Secretary  to  each  member,  unless  there  be 
sufficient  time  te  notify  in  some  newspaper,  and  the  Secretary 
fihall  tiiink  that  mode  best.  He  shall  also  notify  the  meetings 
of  the  Select  Committee  by  billed. 

3d.  The  Secretary  shall  seasonably,  before  each  stated  meet* 
ing*  remind,  by  billets,  the  Committee  for  auditing  the  Treas« 
urer'a  accounts  of  the  business  of  their  commission. 

Of  JUlttionarieM.  ^. 

lAl  Mtislontrles  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Society  at  any' 
Stated  meeting. 

S.  It  ihoU  be  a  standing  instruction  to  the  Missionaries  to 
transmit  to  the  President  or  Secretary,  quarterly  if  practicable* 
a  journal  of  their  proceedings,  which  shall  be  laid  before  the 
Select  Committee*  and  by  them  be  communicated  to  the  Socie- 
ty, in  order  that  a  true  knowledge  may  be  had  of  the  state,  cir- 
cumstances and  prospects  of  their  respective  missions.  ^^  _  , 

9d.  Missionaries  may  be  suspended  for  neglect  of  duty,  or 
any  gross  immorality,  by  order  of  the  President  with  advice  of 


i,-^>« 


$i 


m  ■ 


the  Select  Committee,  during  the  reccM  of  the  Sodetjr  t  and  «t 
the  next  meeUng  of  the  Society  luch  suipension  may  be  taken 
off,  or  continued,  as  the  Society  shall  think  fit,  and  for  lik» 
causes  the  Society  may  dismiss  them. 

Cif  Election  tf  Member*. 
"  The  choice  of  new  members  shall  be  by  ballot.  The  candi- 
itate  shall  be  proposed  by  some  member  or  members  of  the 
Society,  who  shall  lodge  with  the  Secretary  hb  or  theilr  profio- 
•al  in  writing,  signed  by  him  or  them,  inserting  the  town  or 
pUce  where  the  candidate  lives,  and  his  addition.  At  any 
stated  meeting,  the  Secretary  may  declare  the  proposal,  or  at 
the  next  or  any  subsequent  meeting,  he  may  be  balloted  for. 
The  votes  of  three  fourths  of  the  members  present  shall  be  ne- 
cessary to  constitute  a  chmce.  .  , 

■     St 

•  The  Society,  the  year  past,  have  employed  five  Misuonarfes 
(beside  giving  the  upual  aid  to  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hawley  <^ 
Marshpee,  and  Sergeant  of  Stockbridge,  who  labour  among  the 
In^ans)  viz. 

Rev.  Alexand'er  Mc'Lean  eight  months.  Rev.  Daniel  Oliver 
six  months,  Rev.  Messrs.  Piper  and  Stone  three  months  each* 
and  Rev.  Edmund  Eastman,  two  months,  all  in  the  District  of 
Maine ;  and  Mr.  Love  joy,  who  is  stationed  at  the  Isles  of 
Shoals,  and  is  partly  supported  by  the  Society,  and  partly  by 
grants  from  the  New  Hampshire  Legislature.  It  appears 
ft<om  the  journals  of  these  Missionaries,  that  they  have  labour- 
ed with  various,  and  in  some  instances,  with  encouraging  suc- 
cess. 

Mr.  Mc  Lean  has   for  many  years  been  a  most  fiuthlul 

and  a  very  acceptable  Missionary  in  the  service  of  the  Society. 

His  jounuds  have  been  interesting  and  furnished  much  infor- 

'  mation  for  the  direction  of  the  Society  in  dispensing  their 

charity.  ff 

Mr.  Oliver,  during  the  six  months  which  he  spent  in 
the  service  of  the  Society,  travelled  about  1300  miles,  preach- 
ed .13.3  sermons,  visited  196  families,  and  baptized  7  children. 
"  Tht!  Society  (he  says)  from  many  places,  receive  the  hearty 
"  and  affectionate  thanks  of  the  people  for  their  kind  and  be- 
*^  nevolent  assistance  in  sending  Missionaries  and  b'loks  among 


33 


ceivealroin.tl^o  P«oP»«'iri«>a  c^»;«^n^t^» nil  '^^yt'^i  fo  i^irit 
Ri¥i  iMf.  dtofte,  while 'tm' his  MUsfon,  ]^reached  48  iter*' 
mom^  eklibocU«d  a  church  at  Teiinpie,  administered  the  Lord's 
attp^r  bnc6j  «iid  baptized  8  children.  »•  There  is  <he  says)  a 
*<  sma»Criti((MgMlon*l8odety  inLitchfteld,  idko  hare  ^tef  been 
**  d^8liitu|;e.of  a  regular  minist^;  bu^  beK  spoken  tp.  their 
**pndiM|t  thejrl^ive  regularlyi  on  Lo.lxl's  days,  for  39.  years 
*''pasti  met  'for  religious  worship,  and  sung  and  pi^yed  togcth-. 
**  er,  and  a  sermon  has  been  read  on  these  occasions.  Books' 
*<  and  «erii|oBi^  suitable  to  be  read  in  puUid,  would  be  tharikfUI- 
*'  ly  Tcceived  ifrom  the  Society,  or  from  benevolent indiriduals."! 

^tpiftiea,  to  the  amount  of  between  two  sM  three  huijidret) 
dolUrs,  were  voted  by  the  Society,  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of^ 
the  Missionaries,  for  the  purpose  of  uding  in  the  establish'' 
ment  andiaupport  of  schools,  in  districts,  whose  inhabitants 
il^ere  pooiy  and  their  children  uheducated.  t  The  effects  of  this ' 
chiititf-hSvie  hMi  encduiraghig.'   Mr;  EastrrlMi,  in  a  letter  to 
tke.'Se^^taryv  wrkea  thuh-ii^Ih  general  my  lectures  have 
**been  full,  and  on  the  Sabbath,  the  a^^semblies  hate  been- 
M  mucl\  crowded..    As  to  the  tcAoo^,  I  am  able  tp  give  you  a 
**^ye1^  mVoWtablei  aqid  satis&ctory  iaccount.     Almost  ever/. 
*''t|i^yiii  '6r  ^laiitktibn  on  Which'  I  bestow^  one  month*a  instmcr . 
**  ii6ii  Viti  y'eat,  have  themselves  hired  ino,  three^  and  in  some ', 
"  iJkkt^Cies /pt^r  motat^ii,  this  year.    Excited  by  the  ^enerosi- 1 
"t/eifyqur  Society,  they  arte  How  in  most  of  the  towns  ahd 
**  plantations  doing  to  the  extent  of  their  ability  ;    so  that  in 
**  some  places,  I  had  no  rooth  to  bestow  their  bounty  this 
"  year.    To  others,  whom  1  believed  to  be  truly  needy,  I  have 
"  this  year  paid  for  instruction,  agreeably  tp  your  ox^if^fgrty- 

The  ^um  ^f  three  hundred  dollars  was-  expen«fed  the  last' 
year  in,  the  purchase  of  bibles,  Testaments,  Paalm.-Bo<>ks> 
Spelling'Books,  and  various  religious  books  and  tracts,  a  part 
of  which  have  been  already  distributed,  and  the  remainder,  it 
is  expected,  will  be  taken  by  the  Missionaries  next  spring. 
TJie  accounts  from  all  the  Missionaries  agree,  that  the  har- 
vest in  this  part  of  the  Lord's  vineyard  is  great,  but  faithful, 
discreet,  and  pious  labourera  are  few. 

From  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sergeant  we  have  received  the  pleasing 
intelligence,  that  about  one  third  part  of  the  Oneida  tribe,  call- 
ed the  Pagan  party ^  or  followera  of  the  Pro/the t,  amounting  to 
about  250,  who  live  between  Oneida  and  New  Stockbridge, 

E 


.H«h 


^iSfe«^g«!^«!(*«lij*^  »^(*^^ 


■'*^  vvft  'WiS??5^-5K4K?r'#hiyl^"'18Si^^'^ 


S4 


.r  -.* 


f"'. 


wcK  determined  to  join  Mi^  coiigtvgition  at  the  comhlience- 
ment  of  this  year.  He  expreuet  itrong  hope^  by  thij  blea^ng 
of  Godt  that  the  two  parties  (Pagan  and  Chriatiaii  i  Indiana) 
may  be  united,  both  in  a  civil  una  religious  view.  If  ^ca« 
prospects  are  realised,  it  will  rejoice  the  hearts  of  all?.  irlfO. 
vish  weU  to  the  poor,  benighted  heathen  of  our  country,    m     ' 

The  speeches  of  the  Pagan  Chiefs,  and  the  answers  of  the 
Stockbridge  Indkns,  are  interesting,  and  glten,  some  of 
them,  at  length,  in  Mr.  Sergeant's  jouitul. 

This  acccsdon  will  increase  the  labours  of  this  pious  land ' 
fidthful  Missionary,  and  at  his  advanced  age,  render  necessary  ta 
colleague,  to  enable  him  to  visit  and  instruct  his  flock  in  their 
fitmilies,  a  very  important  branch  of  ministerial,  especUlly.oC 
a  Missionary's  duty.  '''''"' 

The  funds  of  the  Sodety  have  remuned,  without  any  eon* 
siderable  alteration,  for  several  years  past.  The  amoupt  nt 
stock  on  interest,  belonging  to  the  Society,  is  S33,407  i33,  the 
income  of  which  is  8 1 174  43,  048 1  09  of  whicht  is  a^pprepri* 
ated  by  the  donors  to  particular  objects,  .  ,  ft  htm  Aim  ti>-Mi  ' 

The  liberal  patronage,  which  the  Honourable  Legislature  of 
the  Commonwealth  has  bestowed  on  the  Society,  by  their  ah*, 
liual  grants,  for  many  years  past,  the  Society  have  reason  to 
believe  has  been  employed  for  the  lasting  be>s'^Ht  of  a  needy, 
and  very  deserving  portion  of  its  inhf^bitants  ;  and  so  long,  aa 
it  shall  be  thus  bestowe4>  it  is  hoped  it  will  be  coutinued. 

^'•■.,u,^^^;  jPoTiatioTU  to  the  Stteietyi, „!<: 


■J 


'/! 


Heceived  by  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,  from  the  town  of  Tem« 

pie, •       -       -       -      $20 

From  Mr.  Johnson-    <       -       «       •       •       --SQ 
By  Rev.  Mr.  Oliver,  from  the  town  of  N.  Yarmouth,  12 

Pittston    -        18 
Winthrop  -     11    4 


H  ;t 


t 


£6)   54 


;«,  ,J^j': 


■^^^^' 


OFFICERS 

Of  the  Society  for  the  year  ending  May  1806. 

Hon.  James  Sullivan,  Esq.  Prendent^  \ 

Hon.  bliver  Wendell,  Esq.  Vice  Prettdent^ 
vibenezer  Storer,  Esq.  Treaturer^ 
Rev.  John  Eliot,  D.  D.  Vice  Treasurer, 


so 


■.t.3at;i'iA«*-* 


@$ 


•5 


Rer,  Jedidiah  Mone*  D.  D.  Seerttary^ 

RcT.  Abiel  Holmct,  D.  D.  Jhtktmtt  Setretary^ 


'V 


Ret.  John  Lathrap,  D.  D 
Rev.  Joseph  Eckley,  Q.  D. 
WilUam  Phillipi,  Esq. 
Mr.  Samuel  Saliiburfy 
Hon.  Dudle]r  A.  Tyngj  Esq. 
Mr.  Junet  Whitei 
Rer.  Jedidiah  Monet  D.D. 


■:'Ui  .#;■  " 

<i  Oommtitef, 


f  •ViH.'JIt'Jti'A 

7/  ly.unv''*.- 


Rev.  Thomas  Bamajrd,  P.P. 


Rev.  Joshw  Batiest 
Alden  Bradford«  Esq. 
'  Mr.  Benjamin  Busser* 
Rev.  William  Chanmnr, 
Hon.  Richand  Crahchi 
Hon.  Francis  Dana» 
Hon.  John  DaviS) 
Hon.  Thomas  Dawes* 
Rev,  Joseph  Eckley,  D.  D. 
Samuel  Eliot,  Esq, 
Rev,  John  Eliot,  D.  D. 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Emmons,  D.  D. 
Rev.  Levi  Frisbie, 
Pavid  S.  Greenough,  Esq. 
Rev.  Abiel  Holmes,  P.  D. 
Mr,  David  Hyslop, 
Rev.  John  Lathrop,  P.  P, 
Hon.  Benjamin  Lmcpln, 
Rev,  Joseph  McKeaQ,  P.  P^  President  of  Bowdoio 

College, 
Rev.  Jedidiah  Morse,  P.  P. 
Samuel  Parkman,  Esq. 
Rev.  Elijah  Parish, 
Elil^alet    Pearson,    LL.  P.    Hancock   Professor 

of  the  Hebrew  and  Oriental  Languages,  and  the 

English  Language, 
William  Phillips,  Esq, 
Rev.  Eliphalet  Porter, 
Paniel  D.  Rogers,  Esq. 
Mr.  Samuel  Salisbury, 
Ebenezer  Storer,  Esq. 
Hon.  James  Sullivan,  Esq. 


•?*-  .*  j 


^ 


m 


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...^ 


M 


Hod.  John  TrMilwtll,  Zt^r  9T.  .ysft 

Hon.  CottM  TufUtEsqi  >  ij   A  .-^yA 

Hon.  Dudlef  A.  Tyngt'Ek^.  iii..>.  ,vi}I 
Mr.  SamuelH.  Walef^  v  [A;  1  ri';.i.i.  .ViH 
Hon.  OlWeri  Wendell,  Luqi  jiHii  i  '•?  ii  i  // 
ttwii,  BnhMMA  Weit,  D..t)u  :...<  l-.ur.  -.i  Mr 
Mr.  Jamei  White,  .1  ,-^!t:'  1' ,/.  7>:.'/ui  .,; ,]{ 
Ebcneier  wight,  taq.  ,v  !  //  <>  ik.;'.  .iI/! 
Samuel  Wiyiamt,  LL;Du>:'inwI  <!ubu>>l  .vjjt 
Mr.  WUliam  Woodbridge. 


m'- 


icnff.Trr.c.o.fT  .-,■'? 


Irffnj—I  give  and  bequeath  the  iiunr  of .  ,  ,1  to 

the  Society  for  Proftogating  thf  ^oHusl  «aimjg.  the  fitdiaru  artd 
cthert  in  Mbrth  America  /  to  fafB  ^ipn<^  <pi'^c''  ^  f^^  general 
objects  of  t><e  Institution,  or  tdsii^tpartknilH'  ouriKMes,  con- 
^itent  with  thiMC  objects,  M'^t|^t,4oJK|r;ija#jr.tl|i^,Kr(^r. 

''     '  '       ■■'  "  .'■.•i.'M  *>;t.t:-\  1  .r/nit 

•    /  \  ,?r/ij(i  tuloi  .nolf. 

"  ."!'>v/.'in  i'j;,fli>rl  T  ..-:a'I 

.CM  ,)..;!•'  t:.'.A.  ./uSi 

i.fvw-sf'.tl  it  U\ .Itl^'ii^i  /I  /i  4U..W  •»!/"*  li  peul  .vjii 

.II.  !  ,1:' a-v!».*n'.."iifi.<; 

y;|>  b.Ui  t'i'y^ui>:jili:d  '*i:aht  >  '.rir.  ■ir-yul-til  ii'    ;'/ 

.•j'..'..r»'j(i  ■•  I  H?ii;;  I  I 

..    ...  (.  nfj;.''.;':  t . '  ;: 


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